Meeting Location: Meet at the Assateague State Park concession building

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families of all ages. The guided hike will take place on the beach toward the north end of the island.

Length of Trail: One mile round trip

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking. Hot chocolate will be served on the concession deck following the walk.
RSVP: Call Assateague State Park at 410-641-1094 to register

Assateague’s eco-zones provide unique ways to experience the island. While the ocean provides one of the largest habitats around the island, there are many other on the interior of the island you may not realize exist. You’ll explore the island from its sandy beach to its salty marshes exploring each habitat as its own mini island and taking a moment to realize that they offer unique experiences for humans that sit there a spell and absorb the sights and sounds of that particular zone.

The first Assateague Beach Walk was held on January 1, 1970. The newly formed Committee to Preserve Assateague Island hosted the inaugural event to draw attention to Assateague’s wild beauty. The committee was created by Ilia Fehrer, Judy Johnson and a few friends who had organized to rally against early plans for development of Assateague Island, which included a 25-mile highway and a number of commercial enterprises, and the Ocean Beach resort, much like Ocean City. A series of 1962 nor-easters interrupted construction, and eventually National and State Parks were established. The committee became the organization, Assateague Coastal Trust, who along with Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park sponsor the New Year’s Day walk each year.

Minimum Age for Children: Age 5, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Length of Trail: Three miles on the Orange and White Trails. Hike will last approximately 1.5 hours.

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

RSVP: Call Cedarville State Forest at 301-888-1410 to register

Additional Information: Join the Friends of Cedarville State Forest on a steady winter hike in the forest and make a fresh start in the new year. Hot chocolate and refreshments will be provided in the headquarters office after the hike.

Cunningham Falls State Park First Day Hike
Lower Falls Hike

Time of Event: 1 p.m.

Meeting Location: Call the park at 301-271-7574 to register and for details on the meeting location.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families.

Minimum Age for Children: None. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Length of Trail: 1 mile round trip

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for
drinking.

RSVP: Call Cunningham Falls State Park at 301-271-7574 to register

Additional Information: Follow a stone dust path, smooth enough for jogging-style strollers, all the way to Maryland’s longest cascading waterfall. Allow 20 minutes at the falls for photos, rest and relaxation.

Dan’s Mountain State Park First Day Hike
A Sunset on a New Year

Time of Event: 4 p.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the fishing pond parking lot on Water Station Run Road

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike along farm roads and single-track trail. This trail contains natural features that become more challenging when ice and snow are present.

Length of Trail: Approximately 1 mile.

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the outdoors, and water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Dan’s Mountain State Park at 301-895-5453

Additional Information: Complete your New Year’s Day with a sunset hike along the Dye School Trail. Dusk on Dan’s Mountain is ideal for quiet reflection and wildlife viewing. A ranger will lead the group and remark on the natural and cultural history of the park. If weather permits, participants can drive to the top of the park on Recreation Road to witness an Appalachian sunset. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Deep Creek Lake State Park First Day Hike
Hike the Discovery Center

Time of Event: 10 a.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the Discovery Center

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families of all ages. The guided hike will take place in and around the Discovery Center mainly dictated by the weather of the day.

Minimum age for kids: Age 5

Length of Trail: 1 mile round trip.

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the outdoors should the weather permit, and can bring camera and binoculars. Hot chocolate will be served at the Discovery Center following the walk.

RSVP: Call Deep Creek Lake State Park at 301-387-7067 to let us know you are going to join us!

Additional Information: Join naturalists Sam Dixon and Alana Morgan as you “Hike the Discovery Center.” Tour our displays, discover fossils in our building, tracks in our walls, tour the indoor mine, meet animals up close, venture outside to our aviary. If the weather permits, we will walk to the beach and back discovering the uniqueness of nature in winter.

Elk Neck State Park First Day Hike
Beaver Marsh!

Time of Event: 1 to 3 p.m.

Meeting Location: Beaver Marsh trailhead in the Rogue’s Harbor area

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate hike for families

Length of Trail: Approximately 2 miles

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Elk Neck State Park at 410-287-5333

Additional Information: Join a park ranger on an invigorating two mile trek on the Beaver Marsh Trail, exploring upland forests and marshy habitats along the way.

Fair Hill NRMA First Day Hike

Time of Event: 11 a.m. Hike may cover some rocky and steep terrain

Meeting Location: Covered Bridge Parking Lot

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families of all ages

Length of Trail: 4 miles round trip

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Fair Hill NRMA at 410-398-1246

Additional Information: Set to reconnect with the natural world as we journey to and from Centre School, a one room schoolhouse that has been restored and was last used in 1924. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Fort Frederick State Park First Day Hike
The Civil War comes to “old Fort Frederick”

Time of Event: 11 a.m. Hike will last approximately 2 hours

Meeting Location: Fort Frederick State Park Visitor Center

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families

Length of Trail: Approximately 2 miles

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Fort Frederick State Park at 301-842-2155

Additional Information: Join a park ranger and learn about the activities of the 1st Maryland Infantry, USA during the winter of 1861-1862 while they garrisoned “old Fort Frederick.” While stationed there, the 1st was involved in several skirmishes with Confederate troops including Christmas Day 1961 and New Year’s Day 1862. Other aspects of the war at the fort will be discussed as well.

Gambrill State Park First Day Hike
Green and Black Locust Trails

Time of Event: 4 p.m. Hike is not stroller accessible and not appropriate for adults carrying children in backpacks.

Meeting Location: Call Gambrill State Park at 301-271-7574 to RSVP and for meeting location.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate hike.

Length of Trail: 1/2 mile round trip

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera.

RSVP: Reservations are recommended. Call Gambrill State Park at 301-271-7574

Additional Information: Join a Park Ranger on the Green and Black Locust Trails in the High Knob area, which follow the contour of the mountain to three beautiful overlooks. Take advantage of the rare chance to view these spots at sunset. Make sure to bring your camera.

Greenbrier State Park First Day Hike
Winter Wonderland Hike

Time of Event: 1 p.m. Hike around the lake will last approximately 1.5 hours

Meeting Location: Meet at the Greenbrier Visitor Center

Degree of Difficulty: We are offering two hikes this year – an easy hike around the lake for all ages and a moderate-to-strenuous, hilly hike for more experienced hikers

Length of Trail: The lakeside hike is about 1.5 miles, which will take about 1.5 hours and the more strenuous hike is about 3 miles and will last 2-3 hours

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera (optional).

RSVP: Reservations are recommended. Call Greenbrier State Park at 301-791-4767

Additional Information: Join Park Rangers on New Year’s Day at Greenbrier State Park for a “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” hike around the lake. Two hikes will be offered this year. Take the easy lakeside trail hike and learn about the lake, trees and wildlife, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, squirrels, chipmunks and red-tailed hawks that make their habitat in and around the state park. More experienced hikers can take the 2-3 hour, 3-mile hike on Greenbrier trails and enjoy a steady hike through the woods in the winter.

Gunpowder Falls State Park First Day Hike
Hike at Jerusalem Mill

Time of Event: 1 to 3 p.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the Blacksmith Shop in Jerusalem Village

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families. This trail contains natural features that become more challenging when ice and snow are present.

Length of Trail: Approximately 1.75 miles

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Gunpowder Falls State Park at 410-592-2897

Additional Information: The Friends of Jerusalem Mill will lead hikers along the Little Gunpowder Falls. The hike will cover some wet or uneven terrain. Meet at the Blacksmith Shop in Jerusalem for refreshments before the hike. Please call to register.

Herrington Manor State Park First Day Hike
Start the New year with Mystery

Time of Event: 1 p.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station. Hikers will caravan to the trailhead located approximately 3.5 miles from the Ranger Station.

Degree of Difficulty: A moderate hike for families. Recommended for ages 7 and above.

Length of Trail: 1.5 miles

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Herrington Manor State Park at 301-334-9180

Additional Information: Hike with a park ranger through the state forest to one of the best kept secrets in Garrett County. This hike will feature a unique destination that is definitely high on the COOL factor. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Janes Island State Park at 410-968-1565

Additional Information: Join park rangers for a leisurely hike through the park grounds in search of deer, turkeys and bald eagles. The hike includes views of some of the park’s 30 miles of water trails, a reclaimed agricultural field and a portion of the campground.

New Germany State Park First Day Hike
Healthy Parks, Healthy Hemlocks, Healthy You!

Time of Event: 1 p.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the New Germany Lake House

Degree of Difficulty: A moderate loop hike with approximately 120 feet of elevation change along a singletrack trail. A short section of the hike will be on a paved road. The hike should take no longer than an hour to complete.

Length of Trail: 1.5 miles

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking. Weather depending, snowshoes are recommended and available to rent.

RSVP: Call New Germany State Park at 301-895-5453

Additional Information: Start your New Year off right with an invigorating winter hike that either jump-starts or supports your healthy lifestyle. A ranger will lead hikers along trails showcasing park history, scenic views of Poplar Lick Run, and lush hemlock forests. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Patapsco Valley State Park
Hike for Your Health at Hollofield

Time of Event: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Meeting Location: Hollofield – Headquarters parking lot

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families. Recommended for children ages 12 and older

Length of Trail: Approximately 1 mile

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Patapsco Valley State Park at 410-461-5005

Additional Information: Start the New Year off healthy in your own back yard. Learn how to get the most out of your hike and live a healthier lifestyle. This is the first in a series of ranger lead “Hike For Your Health” to show guests different trails throughout the park.

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Patapsco Valley State Park at 410-461-5005

Additional Information: Hike the Cascade Falls loop and learn about the history of Orange Grove, the mill town, flour mill, swinging bridge, Civilian Conservation Corps and camping in the 1920’s. This hike will be moderately difficult so wear sturdy boots.

Patapsco Valley State Park
Sunrise Hike at Hollofield Overlook

Time of Event: 6:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Meeting Location: Hollofield parking lot to the right of the ranger station

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families

Length of Trail: Approximately 1 mile
Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Patapsco Valley State Park at 410-461-5005 or Mark Jennys at 410-917-2239

Additional Information: Meet at the Patapsco Valley State Park State Park Hollofield area before sunrise to photograph the sunrise of the new year. The class discusses the dangers of photography in direct sunlight. After the photo shoot you will learn how to process your photos. Tripods are recommended but optional. Registration is required.

Pocomoke River State Park First Day Hike

Time of event: 10 a.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the Shad Landing Administration Building

Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for all ages

Length of Trail: 2 miles round trip

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and sturdy hiking shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Pocomoke River State Park at 410-632-2566

Additional Information: Where can you experience native stands of loblolly pines, stands of mixed pine/hardwoods, and a cypress swamp all in a 2 mile trip? Right on Maryland’s Eastern Shore at Pocomoke River State Park. Join a ranger and travel down the Hudson Tract to see the Cypress swamp in winter. You may even encounter an overwintering Bald Eagle or catch a glimpse of a Wild Turkey. This is a great way to start a New Year.

Rocky Gap State Park First Day Hike
Healthy Parks, Healthy People

Time of Event: 2 p.m.

Meeting Location: Rocky Gap State Park Nature Center parking lot

Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families

Length of Trail: 1 mile

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather and encouraged to bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Rocky Gap State Park at 301-722-1480

Additional Information: Rocky Gap State Park and the American Cancer Society invite you to join us for our annual First Day Hike. This partnership promotes healthy lifestyles and the importance of daily physical activity. Donations are $5 per person with children 12 and under free. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Allegany County, which helps raise funds for cancer research and patient programs. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Sandy Point State Park First Day Hike
Hound-dog Hike

Time of Event: 10 a.m.

Meeting Location: East Beach shelter area

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families

Length of Trail: approximately 1 mile
Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather and encouraged to bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Sandy Point State Park at 410-974-2149

Additional Information: There’s nothing better to help get your year started on the right path like a hike with your favorite K-9 along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Hikers without pets are welcome. After the hike toast the New Year with sparkling cider and treats for your pet.

Seneca Creek State Park First Day Hike

Time of Event: 1 p.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the park office

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for all ages

Length of Trail: 1.5 miles round trip

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather and encouraged to bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Seneca Creek State Park at 301-924-2127 to let us know you are coming

Additional Information: Join the rangers of Seneca Creek State Park for a hike near the historical Woodlands area of the park. The hike will follow a portion of Great Seneca Creek for some fantastic photo opportunities. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Afterward, warm up with hot cocoa in the park office.

Seneca Creek State Park First Day Bike Hike

Time of Event: 1 p.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the park office

Degree of Difficulty: Easy for all ages

Length of Trail: 1.5 miles round trip

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to bring their own bike, helmet and water for drinking, and to dress appropriate for the weather.

RSVP: Call Seneca Creek State Park at 301-924-2127 to let us know you are coming

Additional Information: Start the New Year with a leisurely bike ride on the roads of Seneca Creek State Park. We will view the 90-acre lake and see evidence of some of the winter critters that live in the area. Afterward, warm up with hot cocoa in the park office. Please note: this event is weather-dependent. If the roads are deemed unsafe by park staff, registrants may participate in the hike that is scheduled at the same location and time.

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather and encouraged to bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Smallwood State Park at 301-743-7613

Additional Information: Join a park ranger on a brisk nature hike through the park exploring beaver and duck habitats. After the hike enjoy warm beverages and danish. This trail is stoller accessible, but jogging strollers are highly recommended. Dogs on a leash are welcome in the park, but are not permitted in the Discovery Center.

St. Mary’s River State Park First Day Hike
A New Year for Nature

Time of Event: 10 a.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the parking lot of St. Mary’s River State Park

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike along the shoreline of St. Mary’s Lake

Length of Trail: 3 to 4 miles

Things to Bring: Participants should come prepared to be outside for an extended period of time in possibly very cold and windy weather conditions. Please bring water for drinking and wear sturdy shoes. Bring a camera to remember the beautiful scenery.

RSVP: Call St. Mary’s River State Park at 301-872-5688

Additional Information: Start the year off right and reconnect with nature as you journey along the lakeside with a park ranger. The forested area around the lake provides an excellent opportunity to catch a look at the local wildlife. The guided portion of the hike will be about 3 miles of the 7.5 mile loop; you can return with the ranger or continue the trail at your own pace and leisure. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Susquehanna State Park First Day Hike
Explore the Greenway

Time of Event: Noon

Meeting Location: Meet at Fisherman’s Park below the Conowingo Dam at the end of Shures Landing Road.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families

Length of Trail: 2 miles

Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking.

RSVP: Call Susquehanna State Park at 410-557-7994

Additional Information: Start your New Year off right with fantastic views of the Susquehanna River. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Tawes Garden First Day Hike
A Winter Walk Through “Maryland in Miniature”

Time of Event: 1 p.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the Garden’s weekend entrance on Herbert M. Sachs Drive between the Courts of Appeals building and the Maryland
Judicial Center.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families with children of any age. Trail is a combination of paving, boardwalk and pavers. This hike is stroller friendly and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

Length of Trail: Approximately 1/2 half mile round trip.

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow, cold). Bring along drinking water and binoculars for bird spotting. Hot cocoa will be served after the walk.

RSVP: Reservations are recommended. Call Tawes Garden at 410-260-8189

Additional Information: Get your New Year off to a refreshing start in this urban green space in downtown Annapolis. Join the park ranger and a naturalist for a leisurely walk through the Maryland Park Service’s only public garden and arboretum. You’ll hear how this once inhospitable lot was transformed to the 5-acre oasis it is today. We’ll scout for winter songbirds and other wildlife among areas that demonstrate Maryland’s native mountain west, central piedmont and coastal plain regions.

Tuckahoe State Park First Day Hike
Holiday Walk Up With Morning Sunshine

Time of Event: 11 a.m.

Meeting Location: Meet at the Lake Pavilion

Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for all ages

Length of Trail: 2 miles

Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera (optional).

RSVP: Call Tuckahoe State Park at 410-820-1668

Additional Information: Hike will begin along the lake’s edge with great views of wildlife (maybe a bald eagle or two!) before heading into the woods with views of flooded woodlands and mature forests. Topics will include changing forests and wildlife habitats. The hike will last approximately 1.5 hours.